Durock Blue Lotus vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, one can see distinct differences in their performance and features. The Blue Lotus is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel while typing. With a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm and a detachable light column for dazzling RGB illumination, these switches offer both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Cream Blue does not have any standout features mentioned, suggesting a more straightforward typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, both switches feature a nylon top housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deep and full sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Blue Lotus also incorporates a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Cream Blue in terms of tactile feedback.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the Cream Blue switches utilize a nylon bottom housing. This design choice adds to the switches' overall sound profile by creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastics. The bottom housing of each switch will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Blue Lotus and Cream Blue switches may differ in material, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. The nylon housing in both switches absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Despite the slight difference in materials between the top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent level of typing satisfaction with either the Blue Lotus or the Cream Blue switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. However, the Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Cream Blue's 50 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus will require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke, while both switches will provide a similar resistance when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Blue may be the better option, as its lighter actuation force could lead to less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the Blue Lotus to be more satisfying due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cream Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cream Blue switch would provide a slightly deeper key press compared to the Blue Lotus. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Cream Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Blue Lotus offers a more pronounced tactile feel with a snappy and accented typing experience. While the Cream Blue's qualities in sound and feel are unknown, it can be inferred that the Blue Lotus would provide a deeper and richer sound profile along with a tactile feel that is responsive and engaging. Both switches likely offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Lotus standing out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a tactile and snappy typing experience with a touch of visual flair, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is a great choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and accented, snappy feel, these switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are less concerned with tactile feedback and visual aesthetics, the Outemu Cream Blue switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Lotus and Cream Blue switches comes down to your individual preferences in typing experience and sound profile.